Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Hunting NZ, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use this platform. Hunting NZ reserves the right to update these terms at any time. Your continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Use of the Platform

Hunting NZ is a community platform that provides:

• Hunting information, guides, and educational content
• A community feed for sharing hunting experiences and photos
• A private land access marketplace connecting hunters with landowners
• Hunting gear checklists, safety guides, and firearms licence practice quizzes
• Property listing and booking management tools

Users must comply with all applicable New Zealand laws, DOC regulations, and firearms legislation while using this platform.

3. User Accounts & Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activity conducted under your account
• Ensuring all information you provide is accurate and current
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised access to your account
• Complying with all applicable laws, including firearms legislation and hunting regulations

4. Private Land Access Marketplace

Hunting NZ facilitates connections between hunters and landowners for private hunting access. Key terms:

• Hunters may submit access requests to properties. Landowners review and approve or decline requests.
• Landowners may choose to share exact property addresses publicly or only after approval.
• Approved hunters receive landowner contact details. Further communication is direct between parties.
• No payment is processed through Hunting NZ. Hunters and landowners arrange payment directly (for paid access).
• Hunting NZ is an introduction platform only. We do not guarantee successful hunts, access approval, or dispute resolution.
• First property listings are free. Additional listings cost NZD $5.00 each, paid once at submission.
• Landowners are responsible for ensuring they have the legal right to grant hunting access on their property.

5. Property Listing Verification

Landowners must verify ownership or management rights to list properties. Verification methods include:

• Rates notices showing the property address
• Utility bills with the property address
• Property title documents
• Proof of management rights
• Lease agreements showing hunting access rights

Hunting NZ reserves the right to request additional verification at any time. Listings may be suspended if verification is not provided when requested. Providing false ownership information may result in account termination and legal action.

6. User-Generated Content

By submitting posts, comments, photos, reviews, or other content to Hunting NZ, you grant Hunting NZ a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free licence to display, distribute, and use that content within the platform. You retain ownership of your content.

• Content must be your own original work or you must have permission to share it
• You are solely responsible for the accuracy and lawfulness of your content
• You warrant that content does not infringe any third-party rights

7. Prohibited Content & Behaviour

The following is strictly prohibited:

• Sexually explicit, pornographic, or harassing content
• Hate speech, discrimination, or abuse targeting individuals or groups
• Illegal content or content encouraging illegal activity
• Spam, unsolicited advertising, or commercial solicitation
• Misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive information
• Content that infringes intellectual property rights
• Trespassing on private property without permission
• Harassment, threats, or violence against other users
• Impersonation of other users or falsification of identity
• Misuse of the platform to circumvent platform terms or laws
• Sharing of exact property addresses without landowner consent (for publicly visible content)
• Booking requests made in bad faith or for purposes other than genuine hunting access
• Posting false or misleading property information as a landowner

Hunting NZ may remove content, suspend or terminate accounts that violate these rules. Serious violations may be reported to authorities.

8. Hunting Regulations & Safety

You are solely responsible for:

• Obtaining all required hunting permits and firearms licences before hunting
• Verifying current DOC hunting regulations and area-specific conditions
• Complying with firearm storage, transport, and safety legislation
• Obtaining landowner permission before accessing any private property
• Following all safety guidelines provided on this platform
• Ensuring your actions comply with New Zealand firearms law and hunting regulations

Information provided on Hunting NZ is for general purposes. You must independently verify all hunting regulations, permits, and access requirements before hunting. Hunting NZ does not guarantee the accuracy of hunting information provided by third parties or the DOC.

9. Booking Cancellations & Refunds

Booking requests are agreements between hunters and landowners only. Hunting NZ does not process payments and is not responsible for cancellations, disputes, or refunds. Hunters and landowners must resolve booking issues directly.

• Hunting NZ does not charge booking cancellation fees
• Landowners may approve, decline, or respond to requests at their discretion
• Once a booking is approved, hunters and landowners communicate directly to arrange details

10. Landowner & Hunter Responsibilities

Landowners must:

• Verify property ownership or management rights before listing
• Ensure hunters comply with property rules and landowner instructions
• Not allow hunting on properties they do not have legal rights to grant access to

Hunters must:

• Respect all landowner rules and property boundaries
• Obtain all required permits and licences before hunting
• Comply with firearms law and hunting regulations
• Never trespass or access properties without explicit permission
• Treat landowners' property with respect and care
• Disclose relevant information (e.g., firearms licence status) if requested

11. Email Verification & Account Security

All user accounts require email verification. Hunting NZ uses email to send important account notifications, booking updates, and policy changes. Users are responsible for keeping their email address current and checking email regularly.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law:

• Hunting NZ is provided 'as is' without warranties of any kind
• Hunting NZ makes no guarantees regarding platform accuracy, availability, or suitability
• Hunting NZ is not responsible for disputes, injuries, or losses arising from private hunting transactions
• Hunting NZ does not guarantee successful hunts, booking approvals, or disputes resolution between parties
• Users assume all risks associated with hunting and outdoor activities
• Hunting NZ shall not be liable for loss, injury, property damage, or inconvenience arising from platform use or private land hunting

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Hunting NZ, its owners, employees, and agents harmless from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from your use of the platform, violation of these terms, or harm caused to third parties by your actions.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. You agree to submit to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts for any disputes.

15. Termination & Account Suspension

Hunting NZ reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:

• Violate these Terms of Use
• Engage in illegal activity or harassment
• Provide false ownership or verification information
• Misuse the platform or circumvent its features
• Repeatedly breach landowner or hunter agreements
• Are inactive for extended periods (Hunting NZ may notify users of suspension)

Account suspension or termination may result in loss of access to the platform and associated data.

16. Department of Conservation Information

Some hunting information on Hunting NZ is sourced from or references the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). Users should verify current regulations, closures, and permit requirements directly with DOC before hunting. Hunting NZ is not responsible for outdated DOC information.

17. Third-Party Links & Content

Hunting NZ may contain links to DOC websites, government resources, and other third-party sites. Hunting NZ is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of external websites.

18. Affiliate Links & Disclosures

Hunting NZ participates in affiliate programs offered by various New Zealand and Australian hunting and outdoor retailers. Some product links on our Gear Store and embedded across species, region, and guide pages are affiliate links.

• We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you
• Product recommendations are based on relevance and suitability for New Zealand hunting conditions, not solely on commission rates
• We are not responsible for product availability, pricing, or quality — these are governed by the respective retailers
• All affiliate links use rel="sponsored nofollow" attributes for transparency and search-engine compliance

Our participation in affiliate programs does not influence which products we recommend. We only link to gear we believe is genuinely useful for NZ hunters.

19. No Professional Advice

Content on Hunting NZ (guides, tips, reviews) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult official sources (DOC, firearms authorities, etc.) before making decisions related to hunting or firearms.

20. Dispute Resolution

Disputes between hunters and landowners are private matters between the parties. Hunting NZ does not mediate or resolve disputes. Users are encouraged to communicate directly and resolve issues amicably. Hunting NZ may remove content or terminate accounts if disputes involve harassment or platform misuse.

21. Changes to Terms

Hunting NZ may update these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the platform following any updates constitutes acceptance of those changes.